Read chapter 2 of the Informed Argument. On your blog, discuss the major components of the Toulmin model of argumentation. What are the differences between Toulmin’s model and Rogerian argumentation? Which do you think is more useful? Which do you see as having limitations? Which is better suited for your final project?
Toulmins’ model include three main components: the claim, the data or reasons, and the warrant. According to Toulmin, the basis of all arguments is the claim, which is the writer’s (or speaker’s) statement of belief – the conclusion or point he or she wishes to prove. The data or reasons are the evidence or information a writer or speaker offers to support the claim. The warrant is a general statement establishes a trustworthy relationship between the data and the claim; it is a fundamental assumption on which a claim can be made and supported. In an argument the claim and data will be explicit, but the warrant is often implied, especially if the person making the argument assumes that the audience accepts the warrant. In that case the task is simply to present sufficient evidence to support the claim. However, if the audience disagrees with the warrant or finds it unacceptable, then the writer must defend it to make the claim. Toulmin argued that the syllogism was overemphasized in the study of logic. The difference Toulmins argument and Rogerian argument is that with the Rogerian argument, you kind of like reason with one another. You let the other person know that you understand where they are coming from before you make the claim. The Toulmins argument is different. You always state a claim with Toulmins argument and you have to have facts to back up your argument. You are always looking to winning and always looking at your side and why a certain situation has to be right. I think that the Rogerian argument is more useful because you cannot just start an argument without knowing where the other person is standing or coming from. A successful argument most often acknowledges the other person perspective before they proceed to make theirs. I think that Toulmin’s argument is limited. Rogerian argument is better suited for my argument because I feel that I understand that argument better and I argue like that personally. It would also be easier for to incorporate that in my paper because I am very familiar with the Rogerian Argument.
